• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Elks’ star opens eyes; Rock rivals get to team up

Photo

Photo by Dan Lassiter

Elkhorn's Eric Bryson puts up a shot on Saturday.

MADISON — Steve Showalter didn’t hesitate when asked to name the one player on the WBCA Division 1 South all-star roster that epitomizes what basketball is all about.

“I had never seen Eric Bryson play before this week, but his work ethic and intensity on both ends of the court are unmatched, as far as I’ve seen,” said Showalter, the head coach of the South team that will face the North at 9 a.m. Saturday at the UW Field House. “I love the way he works, and he’s got a motor that never stops.

“I don’t think too many people, myself included, knew much about Eric before this week. But after watching him on the court, we’re certainly glad to have him on our team.”

The 6-foot-2 Bryson averaged 15.8 points a game this past season in leading Elkhorn High to a 21-3 season and the Southern Lakes Conference championship.

The Elks advanced to the Division 1 sectional final game before losing a 66-62 double-overtime thriller to Beloit Memorial.

Bryson is considering attending Winona State University in the fall, and he would like to try out as a walk-on with the men’s basketball program.

Showalter, who set UW-Platteville’s season scoring record in 1988 and led Germantown to the Division 1 state tournament the last two seasons, thinks Bryson has what it takes to play at the Division II powerhouse.

“I would love to have him in my program, no matter where I was,” Showalter said. “Whether he’s a kid that’s in your top five or not, he’s going to help in practice, and he’s going to push very hard to force the coach to find a way to get him on the court.

“He knows what his limitations are on the court, and that’s a sign of a smart player. If you know what you can and can’t do, you’re going to be that much better of a player.”

Bryson also excelled in football for the Elks.

He set several school passing records last season in leading Elkhorn to a Division 2 postseason berth.

Bryson said giving up football to concentrate on basketball was a tough decision mentally, but not physically.

“It came down to not wanting to get hurt playing football,” he said.

“I didn’t want to get beat up for four years playing football.”

As for basketball, Bryson thinks he has a lot to offer, whether it is at Winona State or if another school comes calling.

“Defense. Energy. Anything they need,” said Bryson, who frequently was praised by Elkhorn basketball coach John Handel for exceptional defensive effort and ability.

“I just want to play.”